PD RECOMMENDATION REPORT (PL-SPP-2022-000013)

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The property is not considered important agricultural land as the property's soils are designated "E" or "Very Poor" for agricultural productivity by the Land Study Bureau Soil Classification System and are considered "unclassified" by the Department of Agriculture's ALISH Map. As evaluated above, the applicants' request is considered an unusual and reasonable use of agricultural land that will not adversely affect the preservation of lands with high agricultural potential in the County of Hawaii. Thus, the establishment of the proposed use will not be contrary to the objectives sought to be accomplished by the State Land Use Law and Regulations. (B) The desired use would not adversely affect surrounding properties. All of the immediately surrounding properties are zoned Agricultural (A-3a) and are over one acre in size. The area is characterized by a mix of farms, single-family residences, a commercial center (Orchidland Estates Convenience Center), a church and vacant, undeveloped parcel. The Orchidland Estates Convenience Center includes a convenience store and gas station, Blaine's Drive -In, and the Orchidland General Store. The nearest dwelling is located approximately 150 feet to the southeast of the subject property. In order to mitigate any adverse noise or visual impacts to adjacent properties, a condition will be added that requires a landscaping buffer and screening conforming with standards for separation of a residential zone from a commercial zone. (C) Such use shall not unreasonably burden public agencies to provide roads and streets, sewers, water, drainage, school improvements, and police and fire protection. Traffic on Orchidland Drive is made up primarily of residents of the area and users of the shopping/commercial area east of the parcel. A Traffic Impact Analysis Report (TIAR) was not completed for the proposed project. However, according to the applicant, the proposed uses on the subject property will generate approximately 8 to 40 vehicles per day. Further, the County Police Department does not anticipate any significant impact to traffic and/or public safety concerns. The subject parcel is accessed via 36th Avenue, off Orchidland Drive, approximately 530 feet northwest of the intersection of Orchidland Drive and the Kea`au- Pahoa Highway 130. Orchidland Drive is privately owned and maintained by the Orchidland Community Association (OLCA) and consist of a 60-foot-wide right-of-way ra